Tobias Rehberger on His New Crystal Installation at Colle Val d'Elsa

German artist Tobias Rehberger (born 1966 in Esslingen) returns to Colle di Val d'Elsa with a new installation that explores the dialogue between tradition and the future. The work, exhibited at the UMoCA museum in the Tuscan town, uses locally sourced crystal, a material he previously employed in his 1999 piece Montevideo. The installation features lamps controlled by Rehberger's children via an app, symbolizing generational transition and prompting reflection on the future of artistic heritage. In an interview, Rehberger discusses the artist's role in society, stating he prefers the idea of irresponsibility over responsibility, and emphasizes respect, quality, and differences. He believes true art always arises from a problem and that art risks becoming a mere commodity, but treating it as such yields little. On technology, he sees innovations as positive but notes that the pencil was a greater change than AI, which he finds still unintelligent. His typical workday starts at 8 am, spending most of the day in the studio. His relationship with Associazione Arte Continua began over 25 years ago when he was invited to create a project for Arte all'Arte; he has since become friends with Mario, Lorenzo, and Maurizio. For the new project, he worked again with the same local crystal producer as 25 years ago. He believes artists should be invited to participate in public processes to improve uninspiring public spaces.